Santa, Elves Spread Cheer at Wexler Elementary School

(Submitted by Stacey Smart, Business Analyst)

For the fourth year in a row, the staff at 25 Science Park and 344 Winchester spread holiday cheer for approximately 425 children at New Haven’s Wexler-Grant Elementary School.

The students were excited to be entertained by a magical Toy Soldier and Kiwi the Elf. Santa Claus and his elves made a special appearance to the joy of all the children. Every child received a treat bag, ear muffs, gloves, and an age-appropriate gift.

“It was wonderful to see the joy on all of the children’s faces,” said Science Park Outreach Committee member Regina Johnson, who works at YSS payroll.

Through fundraising efforts, almost $11,000 was raised to support the community. Recipients included Wexler Grant Elementary School, New Haven Reads, and New Haven Cares (Yale Hunger and Homeless Action Project). We would also like to gratefully acknowledge support from the Office of New Haven and State Affairs and Campus Development (Bruce Alexander), and the Office of Finance and Business Operations (Shauna King).

“The Science Park fundraising initiative to give back to the local community really speaks to what can be done when we all get behind something important," said John Mayes, Associate Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer. "The creativity the teams showed here is amazing and as a result, the support and turnout really reflect how much we care and can do for our community.”

The Science Park Outreach Committee is Mary Amendola, Joann Butcher, Ann Brainard-Dougan, Michele Chipello, Sean Choun, Sue Crisafi, Maureen Cunningham, Maura Gianakos, Linda Haigh, Donna Harris, Regina Johnson, Mary-Kay Kaminski, Nancy Krachenfels, Pat McCormick, Deb Pilon, Lynn Reichentahl, Alexa Schlieker, Stacey Smart, and Deb Waitkus.